Dr. Ifeanyi OnyikeDr. Ifeanyi Ebenezer Onyike
As we struggle to have a Peter Obi as the next president of the country in 2023, we must also begin to think of having Peter Mbah as the governor of Enugu State. Both men are accomplished in their unique ways, but, one common denominator is that both men are disciplined financial experts with the right attitude to leadership.
Although, the duo have also declared interest in the 2023 general elections, Peter Mbah is desirous of becoming the governor of Enugu State, while Peter Obi wishes to lead Nigeria as president.
Enugu State deserves a conscientious leader; one that’s not parochial and self-serving. The State has had a checkered history and hence, deserves a leadership that is keen on serving and not one with the attributes of a werewolf or one that plays Judas Iscariot with our common patrimony. With deference to all of the organs of government, our leaders at all levels have not fared well, a reason there is poverty, unemployment and low life expectancy in the country. For this reason, every patriotic Nigerian should dissociate from those men that see politics as lucrative business and support those with genuine interest to serve.
What the nation deserves at the moment are leaders that have managed successful businesses. Peter Obi and Peter Mba have managed businesses and possess the doggedness that is required to lead a complex environment like ours. Much is already known about Peter Obi whose credentials in academics, business and governance is an everyday discussion in Nigeria. But, the humble and calm Peter Mba, despite his weight, may not be as popular. I guess not everyone knows about him, because, he avoids the usual media razzmatazz that sometimes appears as distraction to some persons, especially those who enjoy private life. Beyond this, his absence (or at least that’s what it seemed) from Nigeria’s mainstream politics for a while may have also accounted for this.
Peter Mba served as Chief of Staff (COS), Enugu State Government House, before proceeding to become Commissioner for Finance in the same State. His tenure as Commissioner for Finance was one that ensured financial propriety and accountability in the Ministry. In fact, his movement from COS to the position of Commissioner was as a result of the need for a financial analyst and skilled negotiator that will lead government negotiations at all fronts. His tenure marked a reduction in government spending and financial profligacy.
In recognition of this, he received so many awards of excellence, one of which is the Newswatch Magazine’s recognition as one of the ten most outstanding Commissioners in Nigeria in 2015.
Peter has been on the board of different businesses in addition to being the CEO of Pinnacle Oil & Gas limited. His company operates in all the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. For a man like this, his interest to lead couldn’t have been driven by hunger, but, a desire to lead.
As we celebrate the Easter Sunday, which for the Christians is remarkable not just for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but, the emergence of Apostle Peter’s leadership of the Church.
The Christ’s saying, “you’re Peter and on this rock, I will build my church,” resonates as sound doctrine among the Christians. Similarly, in the political turf, wisdom demands that we do not play politics with the future of our country, but, by giving opportunity to technocrats like Peter Mba and Peter Obi to lead Enugu State and Nigeria to the country of our dreams. Unfortunately, these two men are very decent and may not subscribe to the undercurrents that qualifies Nigerian politics as a dirty game. However, they would be the first choice in any society that clamours for progress. It is then left for us to choose progress and economic prosperity over the current status quo.
Dr. Ifeanyi Ebenezer Onyike, wrote from Dominican University, Ibadan.
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